Religion Blog

Brookwood Presbyterian Church recently updated its slogan to represent its goal of being “a
church for all peoples.”

That mission is exemplified in the East Side congregation’s new tri-pastorate arrangement, which
offers members diversity of race, gender, age, experience and more.

The Rev. John Birkner, 55 and white, said the choice was intentional at the church of about 200
diverse members. He works alongside the Rev. Irvin Moxley, who is 79 and black, and the Rev. Amy
House, 41 and white.

“Our country is becoming more multicultural and multiethnic, so how do we find ways of relating
the Gospel in ways they find comfortable and understand and live?” Moxley said. “The church of the
21st century has to be a church for all people or not be a church at all.”

Brookwood’s is the first tri-pastorate arrangement in the Presbytery of Scioto Valley, which
includes 104 churches. It was made possible after recent revisions to the Book of Order — part of
the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) — that give presbyteries more leeway in creating
pastoral configurations, said the Rev. Richard Hays of the local presbytery.

“They’re an adventuresome congregation,” Hays said. “They have such a diverse kind of ministry
and a diverse congregation that the possibilities with this configuration are exciting.”

He expects that the arrangement, which is initially planned to last for three years, could serve
as a model for other congregations.

The trio already have been working together but will be officially installed as pastors at 2
p.m. on Feb. 16 at the church at 2685 E. Livingston Ave.

Among their main goals are to tear down walls and help people of various races, genders, ages
and economic statuses respect their differences and come together regularly to worship God.

Birkner arrived at the church 13 years ago after working as an ecumenical troubleshooter who
helped turn around failing congregations. He also is the church’s music director. Moxley was
involved in the civil-rights movement and has been a minister for decades. House, a former tax
accountant and financial planner, was ordained this month.

The three came together as Birkner wanted assistance, Moxley wanted to come out of retirement,
and House was a seminary student looking for an internship. As a team, they have been able to offer
more than one pastor could do alone, Birkner said.

“I do believe the spirit just brought the right pieces together,” he said. “None of us would be
here except for the serendipity of God.”

Most churches operate with a senior pastor who may have an associate or associates but is
ultimately responsible for making decisions. At Brookwood, the hierarchical system is gone, and the
three pastors share responsibility evenly.

They will rotate main work areas, such as moderating the congregation’s council. They’ll share
preaching duties, including weddings and funerals, and pastoral work, such as counseling or
hospital visits.

Each also has specialty areas. For example, Moxley handles multicultural issues and community
outreach; House handles Christian education and youth activities; and Birkner is the liaison
between the church and the on-site Brookwood Academy charter school.

Though working as a team could present challenges, Birkner said, it can succeed if those
involved trust each other and can give and take. A bonus is that the trio are confidantes, rare for
solo pastors.

“We break bread together, we pray together, we argue together, we discuss together, and out of
that we come to some consensus,” Birkner said. “We walk through it, think through it, pray through
it.”